Decorated with large green plants and fabric-covered chandeliers, vintage clothes store Le Marché Noir on the historic Rue Perrée is very cleverly and chicly designed. Formerly confined to the mezzanine of the Comptoir Général, in April 2016 the shop owners took over this 150-square-metre old button factory, a much larger space that’s allowed their business to really blossom.
The eclectic stock hasn’t changed much (think silk scarves at €5, 1920s military uniforms and impeccable Ralph Lauren coats at €400), with 80 percent of the stock still coming from Africa (apparently vintage businesses don’t appeal to African consumers like they do to Europeans). The boutique also sells hand made pieces from small African producers, including fabric from the Kenyan Maasaï tribe or printed clothing made from bogolan (a Malian fabric). Handily, the shop offers a clothes repair service, as well as a tearoom where you can try a refreshing glass of bissap (hibiscus juice) or various fruity mocktails (we recommend the ginger, mint and lemon).
TRANSLATION: FLORA HUDSON